Footloose, The Musical at Kitsap Forest Theater

The Kitsap Forest Theater theater has been in existence since 1923, and their goal is to “enrich the community by bringing stories to life in a magical outdoor setting that all ages can enjoy.” Footloose, the musical will be showing at 2 pm on July 28 and 29, August 4 and 5, August 11 and 12, and August 18 and 19.

Gala Lindvall, co-producer for Footloose Musical at the Kitsap Forest Theater, stated: “We perform outdoors rain or shine and it’s a beautiful location. People keep coming back because of the stage and the beauty of the stage. There are generations of families that come to our shows; both a tradition for a lot of families. You can come early and bring a picnic lunch. There is a trail to theater that people can walk on at 1 pm and the show starts at 2 pm. It’s a great show for all ages and a great family outing for the day.”

Mike Bowers, who plays Ren MacCormack, commented: “It’s just a fun show whether you’re in it or watching it, you can’t help but have a good time. It’s a really gorgeous theater; a great place to do a show.” Mike was also in the “Into the Woods” musical by Stephen Sondheim last summer at the Kitsap Forrest Theater. He shared what he’s most looking forward to with the Footloose musical: “I’m really looking forward to seeing what people think of it. It’s such a popular film and a lot of people don’t realize that it’s been turned into musical. I’m interested in seeing what their reaction is. I’ve seen the original and I personally am the fan of the musical. I think they did a really good job with adapting it. There are a lot of songs such as: “Footloose,” “Let’s hear it for the boy,” and “I need a hero,” basically 1980s pop music and musical theater songs thrown in as well.”

When asked what he thought the best thing about the musical was, Mike replied, “For me, the best thing in the show is the music. Every single song is perfectly placed and the music is well written.” Mike discussed what many people may not know about the musical, “People need to come to enjoy some good fun theater. I don’t think there is anything surprising about the story. They may be surprised about what we bring to it; especially with it being outdoors. You don’t have the benefit of heavy sets that you would on an indoor stage. It’s a pretty bare stage.”

Mike mentioned how the Footloose musical was unique compared to other musicals, “Most musicals are completely original, whereas very few are successful in adapting music from popular culture. Some big examples include: Footloose and Mama Mia that have very popular music. Moulin Rouge is a more modern example. It uses popular music versus writing original music; which is what happens in most musicals.”

Mike recommends practically everyone to the show, “Almost anybody, very young kids will probably understand the subject material. There are slight innuendos in some parts from people that have seen the original or remake. People that love music from the 1980s and see those songs come to live before their eyes and that’s a really wonderful thing.”

For more information, please visit: www.foresttheater.com or call: 206-542-7815. “It’s a really fun show I highly recommend it. I think it’s gonna be a really awesome experience. I know we’re all having a blast working on it,” Mike concluded.

By: Carly Calabrese, staff for Tacoma.com

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9 thoughts on “Footloose, The Musical at Kitsap Forest Theater”

Carly, this time you’ve written about a phenomenal experience. The Kitsap Forest Theater is a great place for family, friends and loved ones to visit. The actors put on a sensational play every few weeks. It’s a really a great place to have fun and enjoy an hour or two of outstanding entertainment. Job Well Done. : )

LOL – Yes I did a few years ago. They did The Sound of Music. As I said it was a great show and the actors were funny. Everyone enjoyed themselves. So not only is this highly recommended. But I’d put it on your bucket list. : )

Yes Carly I’ve seen the movie which as you know is terrific. The movie won several academy awards. The struggle of the Vontrap family in it’s self is unique. But it’s only one story out of thousands during WWII. What I found fascinating is the underlying story of two peoples love and respect for each other that allowed them to overcome many obstacles. The Kitsap Forest theater group also put together a great show that was filled with suspense, drama, fun, and funny scenes. They also told the story very well. A little differently but still it was very entertaining. So both were good. Sorry but I’m unable to choose one over the other. That’s for individuals watching to decide. I can say that the Kitsap forest theater group does put on a good show. To them it’s about fun and entertainment.

Sounds like a lovely outdoor venue. They perform rain or shine? wow! Just reading about the songs made my toes start tapping, brings me back real quick. I will definitely put it on my bucket list as Ollala Bob recommends. There are gems out there like this one. Thanks for sharing! I hope to bring my kids with me one day. I’m sure they’ll love it, especially my 9 yr old who performs in musicals.

Without your tenacious research into community events Carly, I would most likely never have experienced the delight of the Kitsap Forest Theatre. And that would of been a shame for the setting of the theatre deep within the last remaining virgin forest in Kitsap County was priceless. I found myself a time or two losing interest in the musical and gazing at the huge amazing trees, unbelievable! He does speak to us through His creation, does He not? It’s a venue I would like to re-visit someday.